How to Style an Entryway
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Unless you’re super close to someone (like back door close), you’re probably entering their home through the front door and into an entryway. This entryway may be quite large, like a foyer or mudroom, or it may just be part of their living room or another main living space.
But whether it’s spacious or teeny-tiny, the entryway is undoubtedly the first impression that a home makes! So it’s important that it is both welcoming and functional. I’ve rounded up some seriously beautiful inspiration photos, and come up with what I believe are five components of a welcoming entryway.
If you’re lucky and have a large entryway, then you can include all five, but if you’re like most people and have limited space in your entry, even two or three of these components will make your entryway welcoming to guests and family alike!
Table
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One of the most important components of a welcoming and functional entryway is some sort of surface to use as a landing pad. Whether it’s a shelf, a console table, or an end table, having a space to corral keys, change, mail, and other odds and ends is key to having an organized entry. This is also a great spot to display decor or memorabilia such as family photos or a vase of flowers.
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Lighting
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Something to consider when you’re creating your entryway space is lighting. You can incorporate lighting through wall sconces, table lamps, or overhead fixtures. Having a well-lit entry will not only help to welcome you and your guests to the home, but it also makes things more visible when you’re ready to head out the door and need to grab your things.
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Seating
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Adding some seating to your entry is an excellent way to make it more welcoming. It’s nice to have a spot where people can sit to get their shoes on, as well as a place where they can set their belongings. Long benches work great for many entryways, but even a spare chair can do the job!
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Mirror
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Incorporating a mirror in your entryway not only will make your space feel bigger and brighter, but it also is handy for checking your hair or makeup on your way out the door. Mirrors also add a great decorative element to the space!
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Hooks
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Having a few hooks near your entry keeps things neat and off the floor, and provides a place for your guests to easily hang their jacket or purse. Hooks can also serve a decorative purpose, so it’s definitely a win-win!
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What are some other components that you think are must-haves for a welcoming entryway? Did I miss anything?
My “entry way” has ll of these elements in one way or another…the problem is that our only real entry (for us or guests) is through the front door and into the kitchen. There is no division between our door and kitchen. We have created a bit of division through a rug, coat tree and shoe hutch. However, with no closet near and limited space, it often looks cluttered. Any ideas to hide/arrange yet still easily access all life’s necessities?
Hey Beth! The struggle is real! Certain house layouts can make it really tricky to have a true “entryway,” (ours dumps right into our living room, so I can understand some of your frustration). It sounds like you’ve done some great work trying to create that separation and organization with the rug, coat tree, and shoe hutch. I would say maximizing on wall space as much as you can would be an important key here (without seeing your space). For example, you might not have space for an entryway table, but perhaps could hang a thin shelf with some hooks. Also incorporating storage that has a small footprint, like this cabinet from Ikea: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60156121/ could be a great solution. Another idea is to search “small entryway” on Pinterest and get inspiration from how others have solved this problem in their own homes. Hope that helps!
A rug is so helpful in catching the first dust or wetness from incoming shoes. And, for areas of the world who take off their shoes to enter your home, a rug is also a nice landing spot for your guest’s shoes. All of your photos of entryways include a rug, so I’m guessing you’d agree, and just didn’t include it in your “top 5” list.
Oh duh! I can’t believe I didn’t include a rug in entryway basics! I guess I just assume that’s a given… but it certainly isn’t. Good catch!